| Office of Information and Public Affairs | Washington, DC 20207 |
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| September 4, 1975 | |
| Release # 75-060 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 4) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today informed consumers it has provisionally accepted a consent order prohibiting Richmond Carpet Mills, Inc., 2509 N. Orchard Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee, from selling products which fail to meet the requirements of the Flammable Fabrics Act.
Two styles of carpeting, "Sentry," in colors Olive, Gold and Peacock, and style "Rivermont," (also sold under the style designation of "Lancer") in colors Peacock and Copper, manufactured and sold from April 16, 1971 to October 1, 1971, were alleged to have failed to pass the Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (DOC FF l-70).
Both of the carpets are composed of 50% Olefin and 50% Nylon Pile and come with a high density foam rubber back. They come in various colors and are sold in 12 foot wide rolls which can be cut to varying lengths. The carpet in question has a low cut, tightly woven pile as distinguished from a shag type pile carpet.
About 16,000 square yards of "Sentry" were sold to 40 customers and about 10,000 square yards of "Rivermont" were sold to the same number of customers.
The company has agreed to continue its efforts to recall all the non-complying carpeting from distributors and retailers and to attempt to identify ultimate purchasers and to notify them of the carpet's flammability. Any carpeting recalled will have to be brought into compliance with flammability regulations or be destroyed.
Also named in the consent order is James R. Harman, an officer of the company.
The Complaint and Consent Order will remain on the public record from September 4, 1975 through November 3, 1975. Comments from the public received during this period will become part of the public record. The CPSC may withdraw its acceptance of the Agreement after further consideration.
This agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the respondent that it has violated the law. When issued by the Commission on a final basis the consent order does carry the force of law with respect to future violations. A violation of such an order may result in a civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation being imposed upon a respondent.
This announcement is made in the public interest in order to inform customers about the Commission action. Further information concerning this matter may be obtained from the Bureau of Compliance, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 5401 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland, 20207.